The platforms’ line has stayed remarkably consistent over the past few years: tools are neutral, if you can’t stop scrolling, that’s a failure of self-control, and if parents can’t keep their kids in check, don’t blame the algorithm. Just last week, Meta paid $17 billion to settle with 47 states—basically putting out the fire at the federal level by paying up first.
But that line isn’t working so well in the case that opened in Los Angeles today. The two plaintiffs are 16 and 18. They started watching YouTube at age three or four, and joined other platforms around age nine. The lawsuit specifically calls out features like autoplay and infinite scrolling—designed to make it hard to stop. The result: depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. And this isn’t the first time: in March, a jury in the first case already awarded $6 million against a platform. The platforms have lost before.
So here’s the question: when algorithms keep people hooked, is that good product design—or should the design itself be held responsible? Pick a side in the comments: A) If it’s deliberately designed to be addictive, they should pay; B) You’re the one holding the phone, so blaming the platforms is just dodging responsibility.
$BTC $ETH $SOL #Meta #Snap #社交媒体 #AddictionTrial
But that line isn’t working so well in the case that opened in Los Angeles today. The two plaintiffs are 16 and 18. They started watching YouTube at age three or four, and joined other platforms around age nine. The lawsuit specifically calls out features like autoplay and infinite scrolling—designed to make it hard to stop. The result: depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. And this isn’t the first time: in March, a jury in the first case already awarded $6 million against a platform. The platforms have lost before.
So here’s the question: when algorithms keep people hooked, is that good product design—or should the design itself be held responsible? Pick a side in the comments: A) If it’s deliberately designed to be addictive, they should pay; B) You’re the one holding the phone, so blaming the platforms is just dodging responsibility.
$BTC $ETH $SOL #Meta #Snap #社交媒体 #AddictionTrial
